This refers to Targeted preventive interventions aimed at individuals or subgroups of a population who are at a higher-than-average risk of developing mental, emotional, or behavioural disorders. These risks may be due to biological, psychological, or social factors and can occur at various levels — individual (e.g., low birth weight), family (e.g., children of parents with substance use disorders), or community (e.g., high-poverty neighbourhoods).
Selective prevention differs from universal prevention, which targets the general population, by focusing specifically on at-risk groups before symptoms appear. Such programs often involve more intensive support and resources, as participants face higher potential risks and stand to gain greater benefit from early intervention.
Sources: HRB